Joe Namath calls Jets prized rookie QB Geno Smith a “sensational athlete” with “good size.” And Namath also thinks drafting Smith was unnecessary, Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News reports. “No, I don’t think they needed a quarterback,” Namath said at the United Way’s 20th annual Gridiron Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel on Tuesday. “They needed the other positions filled. Possibly offensive line. They got some defensive line. The safeties are still questionable. The outside linebackers are still questionable.”

To Namath, the Jets already had a quality quarterback in embattled starter Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has struggled in the last two seasons. But Namath attributed that to “distractions.”

“I am pulling for him,” Namath said of Sanchez. “I know that he can do better than he’s done. And we saw him lead a team to two AFC championship games, right? I also know what it’s like not to necessarily have the weapons you’d like to have, not to necessarily have the time you’d like to accomplish.”

“I know it’s a team game and I know Sanchez is going to play better,” Namath added. “I promise you you’ll see a different guy (this year). I believe you’ll see a different guy.

“Mark’s not a puppy anymore,” he added. “He’s gone through some things, growing process. As far as Sanchez goes, even if he’s not with the Jets, he’s going to play as long as he wants to. He’s that good. As long as he wants to, he’s going to be in the NFL.”

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Mark Sanchez’s descent into one of the least efficient quarterbacks in the NFL hasn’t changed the way the standard for all quarterbacks in the Jets franchise — Joe Namath — views his capabilities.

The Hall of Famer said he still thinks Sanchez is the quarterback who led the team to back-to-back AFC championship games and is confident that will be seen again, now that the Tim Tebow sideshow has left town.

“I know that Sanchez is going to play better,” Namath said last night at the 20th annual Gridiron Gala, which supports the United Way of NYC. “He went through some major distractions last year. No matter how much you say, ‘It doesn’t bother me, that’s not a focus-breaker,’ bull. I promise you you’ll see a different guy this year.
ENDORSEMENT: Hall of Famer Joe Namath believes Mark Sanchez will play better this season because he won’t have to deal with the Tim Tebow distraction.
Getty Images; Richard A. Brightly (inset)
ENDORSEMENT: Hall of Famer Joe Namath believes Mark Sanchez will play better this season because he won’t have to deal with the Tim Tebow distraction.
Joe Namath
Joe Namath

“Mark’s not a puppy anymore. What he went through last year I think will only make him stronger. As far as Sanchez goes, even if he’s not with the Jets, he’s going to play as long as he wants to. He’s that good. He’ll get another job. As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to stay in the NFL.”

If Sanchez stays with the Jets, he could face the same problems Namath thinks plagued him during last year’s 6-10 season — his teammates.

“I keep stressing it’s a team game and if you look at how the overall team played last season, I don’t know who got a passing grade.” said Namath, before reeling off a few bright spots on the offensive line and secondary. “I know what he can do is better than what he’s done. I also know what it’s like to not necessarily have the weapons you’d like to have, not to necessarily have the time you’d like to get something accomplished as a passer.”

Because of Namath’s belief in Sanchez, he said he didn’t think the Jets needed to draft a quarterback last month, but the Jets legend felt confident Geno Smith would be a good fit — on the field and off — if he beat Sanchez out as the starter.

“From what I’ve heard from his coaches in college, they think a great deal of him, so that carries more weight than any of the rumors you might hear,” Namath said. “I have watched him for the past four years. He’s a sensational athlete, good size, [but] he’s got to fill out a bit. He’s a little bit lean to get out with the big men.

“If Geno beats [Sanchez] out at training camp, he deserves to start, [but] I don’t know that the deserving guy always gets to start. The contract speaks for itself sometimes.”

I still don't get why we can express our opinions on ________ without even being asked for our opinions. But Namath can't give his opinion on ________ even after being asked. Oh yeah because he used to play and he was once drunk on TV, I forgot those things disqualify him.

FlyHiJets, on 01 June 2013 - 08:35 PM, said:

You're the scumbag that thinks everyone should kiss the as$es of a bunch of criminals but I'm a dumbass. Yeah okay douchebag. Go give some illegal wetback or Revis another blowjob. But then again.....don't you live in an entirely different country but yet think you can tell us how to live? Go fvck yourself little boy. You're likely still living with mommy & daddy. Pu$$y.

azjetfan, on 02 July 2014 - 03:36 PM, said:

There are a few things I have realized about Mr. Jet over a few topics.

1) He is a racist. By constantly using race as a battling tool.
2) He is an extreme Liberal. If you are on either extreme you are probabaly more wrong than right.
3) He is one of those people who will never admit fault, error or defeat.
4)His life sucks and he takes it out on people who don't share in his views.

I still don't get why we can express our opinions on ________ without even being asked for our opinions. But Namath can't give his opinion on ________ even after being asked. Oh yeah because he used to play and he was once drunk on TV, I forgot those things disqualify him.

You're the scumbag that thinks everyone should kiss the as$es of a bunch of criminals but I'm a dumbass. Yeah okay douchebag. Go give some illegal wetback or Revis another blowjob. But then again.....don't you live in an entirely different country but yet think you can tell us how to live? Go fvck yourself little boy. You're likely still living with mommy & daddy. Pu$$y.

azjetfan, on 02 July 2014 - 03:36 PM, said:

There are a few things I have realized about Mr. Jet over a few topics.

1) He is a racist. By constantly using race as a battling tool.
2) He is an extreme Liberal. If you are on either extreme you are probabaly more wrong than right.
3) He is one of those people who will never admit fault, error or defeat.
4)His life sucks and he takes it out on people who don't share in his views.